It’s not always simple dealing with a Yardley property manager. Constant repairs, raising rent, and other issues might irritate a tenant. Some hiccups are to be anticipated. Yet, you might be wondering what you can do if small problems begin to become outright injustices that violate your rights. If ever a landlord breaks the law, you must be aware of what steps to take to protect yourself. If you believe that you’re down to the last resort, one alternative is to report them to the health department or housing authority. This blog post will list examples of when reporting your landlord is necessary and how to do so.
Landlord Responsibilities
All landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with safe and habitable housing. This means the property must be free of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord is not meeting these standards, you may have grounds to file a complaint.
There are two types of complaints that you can file against your landlord:
- A health and safety complaint is filed when the property is not up to code or if there are health hazards involved. Illustrations of health and safety violations are lead paint, mold, asbestos, lack of heat, and lack of hot water.
- A housing quality complaint is filed when the property is not appropriately maintained. This can involve leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
If you are not certain whether your landlord is violating the law, you can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority to check. They will be able to inform you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.
Reasons to Report Your Landlord
There are numerous justifications for why you might want to consider reporting your landlord. Perhaps you’ve been appealing to them to make repairs for months, but nothing has happened. Or maybe there is a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, be aware that there are government departments that are available to support you.
Following are a few typical reasons to report your landlord:
- Hazardous or unhealthy conditions on the property
- Lack of repairs or maintenance
- Landlord harassment
- Illegal eviction attempts
- Failure to provide required services, such as heat or hot water
These are just a small number of examples. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to figure it out.
How to Report Your Landlord
There are a few things you’ll need to do if you choose to file a complaint against your landlord. First, you’ll need to obtain evidence of the violation. This can involve photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that you have. The next step is to file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if appropriate.
Additionally, you can file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is uncommon, but it might be required if the health department or housing authority is unable to assist you.
Reporting your landlord can be a challenging task, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord isn’t giving you a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the help of your local health department or housing authority, you can safeguard that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the best methods to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Prosperity, we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and dedication to maintaining safe and comfortable Yardley homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be honored to help you locate a safe and affordable place to call home.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
